In Conversation

Conductor, pianist and Opera Australia Head of Music Tahu Matheson joins In Conversation ahead of the Sydney season of The Drover's Wife, the acclaimed new Australian opera by George Palmer and Leah Purcell. Tahu explains why he believes the story is perfectly suited to opera, reflecting on the emotional power of the singing voice, the accessibility of Palmer's score, and his experience of helping shape a brand-new work from early workshops through to the world premiere.
The conversation also explores Tahu's musical upbringing, following his conductor father around Europe before settling in Australia, his early ambitions to become a concert pianist, and the unexpected moment that changed the course of his career: discovering Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. He shares his lifelong fascination with opera, the transition from pianist to répétiteur and conductor, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the often unseen work of Opera Australia's music staff, from coaching singers and preparing scores to balancing orchestral and vocal forces in performance.
Tahu also discusses the challenges of presenting contemporary opera alongside the great classics, why he believes audiences are rediscovering the thrill of live performance, and the enduring power of opera to move, challenge and inspire. 
Tahu Matheson conducts The Drover’s Wife for Opera Australia, August 7-15.

Internationally acclaimed American violinist Benjamin Beilman joins In Conversation while in Sydney to perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Renowned for the intensity and poetry of his playing, Ben reflects on his remarkable musical journey, from singing as a choirboy in Atlanta and beginning violin lessons through the Suzuki method, to studying at the Curtis Institute of Music with some of the world's most promising young musicians. He speaks warmly about the mentors who shaped his career, including Christian Tetzlaff, whose guidance extended far beyond the concert platform to the realities of life as an international soloist. Ben also reflects on the value of chamber music, the lessons he now passes on as one of Curtis's youngest faculty members, and how the musicians you meet as a student become lifelong musical companions.
Along the way, Ben gives us a glimpse into life as an international soloist, his love of chamber music, the remarkable historic violin he now performs on, and how becoming a father has given him a new perspective on both music and life.
Benjamin Beilman performs with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra 9-11 July.

Australian soprano Emma Pearson has built an extraordinary international career, performing with leading opera companies across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. After spending nine years as a principal artist with the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden in Germany – where she was later honoured with the prestigious title of Kammersängerin – Emma has returned to this side of the world while continuing to embrace new roles, including Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow for Opera Australia.
Emma reflects on the remarkable journey that led to her becoming one of Australia's most respected lyric sopranos. She discusses the formative influence of her teachers, the opportunities that took her to Germany, and the demanding but rewarding life of a repertoire singer, performing, rehearsing and learning multiple operas simultaneously. Emma also shares insights into the artistry of operetta, the challenges of mastering languages and new repertoire, and the lessons she now passes on to the next generation of singers through her teaching.
Along the way, she speaks candidly about balancing an international career with family life, and why kindness and professionalism matter just as much as vocal talent. Refreshingly down-to-earth, Emma offers a fascinating glimpse into the realities of life on, and beyond, the operatic stage.
Emma Pearson appears as Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow for Opera Australia in the Joan Sutherland Theatre of the Sydney Opera House until August 18 for certain performances. Check the website for details.

Italian bass-baritone Renato Dolcini has become one of the most distinctive voices on the international Baroque scene, having performed with some of the world’s best, including William Christie, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Giovanni Antonini and Cecilia Bartoli. In this conversation, Renato reflects on his long-standing relationship with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Artistic Director Paul Dyer, and discusses Italian Serenatas, a program that takes audiences on a musical journey through the cities, styles and traditions that shaped Italian music. 
Renato traces his own musical journey back to an early encounter with Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which ultimately led him towards a career in music. Along the way, he discusses the profound influence of Cecilia Bartoli, whose recordings and performances opened his ears to a more theatrical, text-driven approach to singing and ultimately helped guide him towards the world of historically informed performance. 
We also hear about the life-changing experience of winning William Christie’s prestigious Le Jardin des Voix competition, the unique demands of Baroque singing, and why he sees himself first and foremost as a musician rather than simply a vocalist. Renato offers fascinating insights into ornamentation and the close collaboration between singer and orchestra in Baroque performance, before revealing some unexpected passions away from the stage including a love of French pastry-making. This conversation provides a compelling glimpse into the artistry behind one of today’s most exciting Baroque voices. 
Renato Dolcini performs with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra until July 2.

Internationally acclaimed violist Lawrence Power joins In Conversation while in Sydney to guest direct the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Isles of Light program, a musical journey through the British Isles that traces a line from Renaissance composers such as Tallis through to contemporary voices including Jonny Greenwood and Kate Bush. Lawrence reflects on the distinctive character of British music, the influence of Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, and his passion for presenting classical music in fresh and imaginative ways. He also discusses the premiere of a new work by fellow violist and composer Garth Knox, and why curiosity and collaboration remain at the heart of his musical life.
Lawrence shares the remarkable story of how he came to the viola by chance after missing out on a violin at school, and why the instrument’s unique voice continues to fascinate him. He recalls his formative years at London’s Junior Guildhall, the musical discoveries that shaped him, and the experiences that led him away from a potential orchestral career and towards chamber music, solo performance, and the commissioning of new works through his ambitious Viola Commissioning Circle. It aims to create ten new viola concertos before 2030, helping to expand the instrument’s repertoire and bring new voices to audiences around the world. Throughout, Lawrence reveals himself as a musician dedicated to exploration, connection and the boundless possibilities of music.
Lawrence Power guest directs the Australian Chamber Orchestra for Isles of Light until June 21.